Emma Raducanu and Coco Gauff news excites Australian Open fans

Emma Raducanu has put her injury concerns behind her to set up a blockbuster second round showdown with Coco Gauff after an impressive straight sets victory on the opening day of the Australian Open. The British number eased to a 6-3 6-2 win against Tamara Korpatsch to set up the mouthwatering match against American teen sensation Gauff, who beat Czech Katerina Siniakova 6-1 6-4.

Raducanu - who had her ankle strapped after rolling it in Auckland 11 days ago - looked a little tentative early on but gradually grew in confidence the longer the match went. Given a warm welcome on a packed mid-sized arena, Raducanu initially looked hesitant on serve and stretching out wide to her backhand. The crunch moment of the first set came in the seventh game after Raducanu had twice been pegged back from a break ahead.

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The 20-year-old has taken an aggressive approach under new coach Sebastian Sachs and tried to seize the initiative on her forehand. It paid off as she secured another break, clenching her fist in the direction of her team, and it was start of a run of six games in a row that put her in full control of the contest.

The Brit began putting a lot more weight behind her backhand and looked confident in her game plan, with Raducanu eventually wrapping up victory when Korpatsch pushed a forehand long. The victory sets up a huge second round clash against Gauff, who said she is targeting a grand slam title in 2023.

Gauff is unbeaten in 2023, having started her year with a title triumph in Auckland, which included a win over countrywoman and former Australian Open champ Sofia Kenin. The 18-year-old American is also yet to drop a set in 2023.

The American needed seven match points in a marathon final game before overcoming Siniakova in straight sets. "I'm really pleased with that," the 18-year-old said after the match.

"Katerina is a fighter. I knew that she was going to fight to the last point and she proved that today. We had some excellent points in that last game."

Unsurprisingly, the tennis world has reacted to the massive second round match-up between Raducanu and Gauff with plenty of excitement.

Olivia Gadecki storms into second round

In other women's first round matches, Aussie youngster Olivia Gadecki produced a stunning victory in her grand slam debut, beating Polina Kudermetova of Russia on Monday. Gadecki, who is being mentored by retired Aussie champion Ash Barty, stormed into the second round with a dominant 7-5 6-1 victory.

Gadecki will now face exciting Ukrainian talent Marta Kostyuk on Wednesday after she beat 28th seed Amanda Anisimova. Gadecki has also secured a life-changing payday of $158,850 for making the second round.

Amanda Anisimova broke down in tears during a shock first-round loss to Martya Kostyuk. The 28th seed from America went down 6-3 6-4 to her Ukrainian opponent on Monday in the first big upset of the tournament at Melbourne Park.

Fellow American Pegula wasted no time stamping her title credentials, powering into the second round in just 59 minutes. One of the title favourites alongside World No.1 Iga Swiatek, Pegula beat Romania's Jaqueline Cristian 6-0 6-1.

with agencies

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